Subscribe Now

Getting a break from exposure to hot temperatures is important for preventing heat related illnesses. While people usually associate extreme daytime temperatures with heat stroke, if it does not cool sufficiently during the night, the body will not get a break from the heat. In North America over the last 50 years, average nighttime low [...]

Getting a break from exposure to hot temperatures is important for preventing heat related illnesses. While people usually associate extreme daytime temperatures with heat stroke, if it does not cool sufficiently during the night, the body will not get a break from the heat. In North America over the last 50 years, average nighttime low [...]

The ocean is a great source of new medicines because the diversity of marine life contains a wide variety of chemicals. Drug companies already use drugs, and are testing more, from different kinds of sea life. Drugs derived from marine dwelling species include antibiotics, cancer treatments, pain relievers, skincare products and sunscreens. Seasons: Spring, Summer, [...]

Deep sea corals are sessile, or stationary, animals and cannot move. Because of this, many have chemical defenses to protect themselves from predators. The chemical compounds these corals emit, along with chemicals from sponges and other organisms, are being studied by scientists to formulate pharmaceutical products that may fight cancer, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, pain and [...]

The American Lung Association’s 2008 State of the Air Report found that about one-third of people in the U.S. live an an area with unhealthful levels of ground-level ozone pollution, and Houston ranked number four on the list of 25 cities with the highest number of high-ozone days. Ozone pollution, which forms when emissions from [...]

The American Lung Association’s 2008 State of the Air Report found that about one-third of people in the U.S. live an an area with unhealthful levels of ground-level ozone pollution. Ozone pollution, which forms when emissions from vehicles, yard care equipment, and other sources react with heat and sunlight, can cause health problems for more [...]

Over the past year, gasoline prices in the lower Atlantic states have risen by $1.05, and diesel fuel prices have risen by nearly two dollars. Reducing your driving time not only saves fuel and money, but it also reduces vehicle emissions. Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from cars react with heat and [...]

The American Lung Association’s 2008 State of the Air Report found that about one-third of people in the U.S. live an an area with unhealthful levels of ground-level ozone pollution. Ozone pollution, which forms when emissions from vehicles, yard care equipment, and other sources react with heat and sunlight, can cause health problems for kids [...]

Over the past year, gasoline prices in the south-central states have risen by about 82 cents per gallon, and diesel fuel prices have risen by almost two dollars. Reducing your driving time not only saves fuel and money, but it also reduces vehicle emissions. Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from cars react [...]

Contamination of groundwater, which supplies humans with much of their drinking water, is often due to the intrusion of salt water. If too much much salt water enters fresh groundwater supplies, it can render groundwater unsuitable for human use. Saline infiltration can occur as a result of over pumping from groundwater aquifers, and the presence [...]

Tree pollens are typically the first allergens to show-up in the spring, causing problems for up to 40 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies. In Southern parts of the U.S., trees may have begun producing pollens as early as January, while production may not begin until April farther north. Regardless of where you live, [...]

Tree pollens are typically the first allergens to show-up in the spring, causing problems for up to 40 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies. In Southern parts of the U.S., trees may have begun producing pollens as early as January, while production may not begin until April farther north. Regardless of where you live, [...]

Trees are generally the first type of plant to bloom in the spring. In the New Orleans, Oaks, Firs, and some grasses are in bloom. Windy and dry days are the worst for allergy sufferers because they allow the tiny pollen particles, most of which are smaller than the width of a human hair, to [...]

Trees are generally the first type of plant to bloom in the spring. In the Houston area, Oak, Hackberries, and Mulberries are in bloom. Windy and dry days are the worst for allergy sufferers because they allow the tiny pollen particles, most of which are smaller than the width of a human hair, to float [...]

This is the time of year when Gulf Coast residents begin spending more time outside, increasing their exposure to the sun. The stratospheric ozone layer (a protective layer of “good” ozone about six to 30 miles above the earth’s surface) absorbs many of the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. However, depending on the time of [...]

Tree pollens are typically the first allergens to show-up in the spring, causing problems for up to 40 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies. In Southern parts of the U.S., trees may have begun producing pollens as early as January, while production may not begin until April farther north. Regardless of where you live, [...]

Tree pollens are typically the first allergens to show-up in the spring, causing problems for up to 40 million Americans that suffer from seasonal allergies. In Southern parts of the U.S., trees may have begun producing pollens as early as January, while production may not begin until April farther north. Regardless of where you live, [...]

Many people are inclined to feed Florida’s resident and migratory water birds, including pelicans, ducks, geese, and others. Not only are human foods bad for these birds, but feeding them has environmental consequences. Feeding waterfowl can cause them to congregate large flocks in small areas, where they can overgraze, degrade the landscape and cause unsanitary [...]

Did you know that Florida has more than 1,200 miles of coastline, including 800 miles of sandy beach? It’s no wonder so many Floridians and tourists love to swim and enjoy the refreshing Gulf of Mexico waters. But even on sunny days, when there’s not a cloud in the sky and the weather seems perfect, [...]

With increasing concerns about contaminants in the Gulf of Mexico’s seafood, researchers at Mississippi State University are looking for better ways to predict where these contaminants are likely to build up. Mercury (a metal) and DDT (an insecticide formerly used in the U.S. to kill mosquitoes) are persistent pollutants - staying put for many years without breaking [...]